Prospect Talent Score

Probability of Success

History

2004-05: Very few first-year players had the impact that rookie defenseman Dave Schlemko did during the 2004-05 Western Hockey League season. Schlemko, a graduate of the Knights of Columbus Midget AAA program, solidified a position on the Tigers roster by recording his first point in his first WHL game, en route to finishing among the top 15 in the league in freshmen scoring. With 29 points in 65 games, Schlemko sat behind only Cam Barker and fellow draft eligible defenseman Kris Russell among Tiger defensemen in scoring.

2005-06: A former winner of the Alberta Midget Hockey League’s top defenseman award, Schlemko made a silky-smooth transition to major junior hockey. With the potential absence of Chicago Blackhawks first round selection Cam Barker, Schlemko will be asked to step up into a much more important role, both offensively and defensively.

2006-07: Perhaps overlooked last year as a defenseman playing behind the likes of Cam Barker, Kris Russell(CBJ) and Gord Baldwin(CAL) in Medicine Hat, Schlemko emerged this season as the Tigers most consistent rearguard. The native of Edmonton, Alberta scored eight goals and 50 assists in 64 regular season games, behind only Russell, Darren Helm(DET) and Derek Dorsett (CBJ). Schlemko logged plenty of minutes for the Tigers over the past three seasons when many of his teammates were attending the WJCs. Lauded as a truly gifted offensive contributor by head coach Willi Desjardins, Schlemko played on the Tigers top power-play unit.2007-08: Turned in a solid year, chipping in 39 points (10 goals, 29 assists) in 58 games with Arizona Sundogs of the CHL. Of his offensive totals, 23 points came on the powerplay, where the Edmonton, Alberta native was effective all year long. During the playoffs, he had an honest 8 points (3 goals, 5 assists), but he led the team with a plus-13 rating. The Sundogs went onto win the league championship, sweeping the Colorado Eagles in four straight to take home their first ever title. Earned CHL All-Rookie Team honors. Also saw limited action in the AHL with San Antonio Rampage.

2008-2009: Schlemko participated 68 games with the San Antonio Rampage(AHL), scoring 7 goals and notching 22 assists. He finished his season with a -15. On a brighter note, Schlemko made his NHL debut with the Phoenix Coyotes(NHL). In 3 games with the Coyotes Schlemko picked up 1 assist.2009-2010: Schlemko spent more time with the Phoenix Coyotes(NHL) during the 2009-2010 season, appearing in 17 games with the big club. Schlemko scored 1 goal and picked up 4 assists and finished with a +1 rating. In the AHL, Schlemko played in 55 games with the San Antonio Rampage(AHL). The defender finished with 5 goals and 26 assists in 55 games.

Talent Analysis

A skilled, offensive-defenseman with very good puck-smarts and soft hands, Schlemko is a deft passer who excels in the offensive zone; particularly on the power-play.

Future

Schlemko has made monumental strides over the past few seasons. Undrafted out of junior, he has rocketed up the Phoenix depth chart thanks to his ability to produce offense and boost the power-play. He projects as a third pair/power-play specialist at the NHL level.